University at Albany, State University of New York
Governance Council
Friday, March 5, 2010
Eric Lifshin, Chair
Minutes
Present:
Erin Bell, Ray Bromley, Nan Carroll, Richard Collier, Edward Cupoli,
Sung Bok Kim, Eric Lifshin, John Pipkin, John Schmidt, Lawrence Snyder,
Daniel White
The meeting convened at 10:34 am.
MINUTES:
The minutes of February 5 were approved.
CHAIR’S REPORT BY ERIC LIFSHIN:
Charter Amendments:
Chair Lifshin discussed the four charter amendments approved by the Senate last year but not
signed by President Philip. Even though the President has not signed the amendments, they
will become part of the Charter. Chair Lifshin asked for a discussion of the potential
consequences of having legislation passed by the Senate but not having presidential signature.
He referred to issues raised in the Middle States report section on governance where some
confusion exists regarding the relative responsibilities of the President and the Senate with
regard to certain curricular activities. He inquired as to whether GOV should play a role in
attempting to reconcile the two positions and decide if further action needs to be taken.
Secretary Collier informed GOV that the amendments do not need the president’s signature. If
they were challenged, the SUNY Senate would intervene on behalf of the UAlbany Senate.
Chair Lifshin and Chair Range will meet with President Philip to discuss the status of the
CERS policy and the amendment concerning chairing a council by an ex officio.
General Education Requirements:
Chair Lifshin informed GOV that the General Education Task Force has met and is being
chaired by Stephen North. Provost Phillips was advised by SUNY Administration that in order
for our local requirements to continue, we need to make it very clear that they are local.
NEW BUSINESS:
Senate Secretary Collier led the discussion for upcoming spring elections. He provided a
handout of the current Senate membership, highlighting the names of those members whose
terms expire this year. The handout also provided information on how Senate membership is
apportioned throughout the colleges and schools. Secretary Collier provided an explanation of
the formula used to calculate the number of members each school or college is allowed.
Secretary Collier referred to the first page of the handout and informed Chair Lifshin that he
will need to send out a call for nominations for the positions of Senate Vice-Chair and Senate
Secretary to the entire voting faculty. Anyone who is a member of the voting faculty is eligible
for nomination. Self nominations can be accepted and verification of any nominee’s
willingness to run is also required.
Secretary Collier will provide a letter to the deans of each of the schools and colleges notifying
them that they have senators that need to be reelected or replaced. He explained that CAS has
vacant slots due to the fact that they have more departments than allotted Senate slots. GOV is
required to provide slates of names as follows: four nominees who are willing to run for
SUNY-wide senator. There are two positions available, one being the new third senator seat
allotted to UAlbany. The second slate required is for senators at-large from both the teaching
and professional faculty. There are two terms in each group that will expire this year and four
names are needed for each. GOV members proceeded to identify potential nominees for the
above positions. The nominees will be contacted, as well as the current incumbents, to verify
their willingness to run.
Before the slate can be sent, the volunteer website needs to be activated. IT will be contacted
to assist. Secretary Collier informed current GOV members to fill out the form if they wish to
continue next year.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 am.
Respectfully submitted by
Gail Cameron, Recorder